Oftentimes, toilet troubles can be minor annoyances or even emergencies that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. As the most common plumbing fixture in a home, toilets are prone to numerous issues that can range from clogs to leaks to stubborn bowl stains. When these issues occur, they can disrupt your daily routine and cause costly water bills. Luckily, many of these issues are easy to fix with basic troubleshooting and DIY tools.
If you have found that your toilet is constantly running, it may be caused by a broken flush valve. The most common cause of this is a build-up of sediment in the flush valve that can be resolved by draining and cleaning the tank and flush valve. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you can replace the flapper or float cup to ensure that they are functioning properly.
A leaky toilet can be one of the most frustrating problems to deal with because it wastes water and leads to high utility bills. The good news is that a leaky toilet can be repaired without breaking the bank. First, identify the location of the leak by examining the underside of the tank or looking for wetness in the area surrounding the toilet. If the leak is located in the tank, you can remove the lid and use a pencil to mark where the water line connects to the toilet. Then, turn off the water supply valve to the toilet by turning it clockwise and check the water level after two hours. Leaks in the tank can be caused by a number of things including worn-out seals or a faulty float. If the leak is located in the base of the tank, you can replace the base seal or add new caulking.
Another common toilet problem is a clogged drain. This can be caused by too much toilet paper or feminine hygiene products, as well as food scraps and other foreign objects. To unclog a toilet, you can try using a simple plunger, hot water, or chemical drain cleaners, all of which are effective and inexpensive. If you are unable to remove the obstruction from your toilet, you can call the no. 1 handyman company in Memphis for more advanced troubleshooting.
A hissing or bubbling sound from your toilet can signal a major problem with the drainage system and needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. This can be caused by a blocked vent pipe or a clogged drain. A quick inspection should reveal the problem and the solution, which is to clean the vent pipe or a clogged drain.
Most of the time, your toilet troubleshooting will take place in the tank where all of the mechanical parts are located. However, it is also essential to know how to handle problems that arise outside of the tank as well. These tips should help you address most toilet troubles without contacting a professional. Just remember to always practice safety precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working on any plumbing project.